An early form of social welfare, almshouses provided indigent people a place to live and work. Around 1840, the town of Newton set aside over 20 acres on Sherburn Road (later renamed Beacon Street) for a "poor farm."  This became the Waban Almshouse, on the site of the present Angier Elementary School.  At that time, this location was considered a remote rural backwater, distant from any of the emerging commercial activity in other parts of Newton.

While Almshouse residents did farm work and other seasonal labor, there was no coherent program of rehabilitation or training. Conditions were spartan at best. This was typical of the approach at the time for towns to deal with any who were either unemployed or dealing with mental health problems or addictions. Pastors from nearby churches would come to preach.

After the Boston & Albany Circuit Railroad cut through the land in 1883, land prices soared and Waban residents agitated for the almshouse’s removal lest it affect property values. The Mayor agreed, and in 1900, the almshouse was relocated to Winchester Street, in Newton Highlands. Read more about the history of Newton's Almshouses in an article by Michael J. Clarke.